March 30, 2008
Posted: 11:05 AM ET
Sens. Kerry and McCain share an unusual history together in presidential politics.
Sens. Kerry and McCain share an unusual history together in presidential politics.

(CNN) — Stumping for Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. John Kerry faces a unique challenge when it comes to taking on the presumptive Republican nominee.

That's because Sen. John McCain has said that Kerry, in 2004, "asked if I would consider being his running mate." McCain told reporters earlier this month that at the time of the conversation, he made clear to Kerry the answer was no.

Kerry has said McCain's representatives contacted him about the possibility, and both men say there was never an actual offer.

McCain went on to campaign aggressively for President Bush in 2004.

Still, the complexity adds an unusual wrinkle for times like Sunday, when Kerry takes on McCain.

"Hillary Clinton has every right in the world to continue to fight, but the important thing is to be fighting against John McCain," Kerry told ABC's "This Week," discussing some calls for Sen. Clinton to drop out of the race.

"It is very important for both people to keep the eye on the real target — John McCain and the Republican disaster of the last seven and a half years," he added.

As the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, Kerry is one of Obama's most prominent campaign surrogates.

–CNN's Josh Levs

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John Kerry • John McCain


Conservative   March 30th, 2008 11:21 am ET

I think McCain is more of a Democrat than Hillary and Obama.

Liz, Pittsburgh PA   March 30th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Kerry is such a loser, I am so glad the Republicans talked me out of voting for him. He would have taken McCain as his VP after all the money the democratic party spent on him…outrageous!

wlolffan   March 30th, 2008 11:26 am ET

It is so dishearting to see that Jim Carville is still on CNN Late Edition today. He is such a symbol of Clinton spining and nasty political machine and is disgusting! Where is outrage???

George W Bush   March 30th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Hillary Lies

Hillary-Monster-LIAR   March 30th, 2008 11:30 am ET

McBush has nothing to worry. Sour-puss Hillary lovers are going to flock to him because their "inevitable" queen got upstaged by an honest talent. Perhaps the Democratic party needs to split? Clinton apologists can go form the Clintoon party. The rest of us Dems will rebuild with the next generation.

Trev   March 30th, 2008 11:32 am ET

This is why Obama needs HRC voters. McCain (except on the war) has crossover appeal. Too bad Obama does not want us.

freedom fighter   March 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

The Hillary democrats will protest the unfair tactics employed by the DNC backed Obama campaign.

No vote for Obama in Nov.

We believe in fair play- not the swiftboating of your best candidate (Clinton) to boost the lesser but more charismatic candidate (Obama).

This is an election, not American Idol

John, College Station, TX   March 30th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Bush disaster of the last seven years, ok, that timing works. But I believe that the Democrats have had control of congress for at least one of those seven years and then some. Does that still make a completely Republican disaster?

on the outside looking in   March 30th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Kerry is not the only one with that problem. Dean has one as well!!!

Howard Dean, on what we should look for in a president:

"The real issue is this, who would you rather have in charge of the defense of the United States of America, a group of people who never served a day overseas in their life, or a guy who served his country honorably and has three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star on the battlefields of Vietnam?"

Dean was, of course, talking about John Kerry when he made this statement in 2004. McCain, as it turns out, is a far more decorated soldier than Kerry, thus making Dean's point even more starkly.

Grif   March 30th, 2008 11:44 am ET

There was no Republican Disaster.. But there will be, an American Disaster. If Borack Obama is in any position, to worsen what is already happening in Iraq… Basra as Blown Up, because they're hoping he is Elected.. They are already trying to change the Balance of Power, over there…Look closer to home…
Go John…..

Patrick   March 30th, 2008 11:49 am ET

I was for him before I was against him.

sophia nyc   March 30th, 2008 11:51 am ET

McCain=Bush's 3rd term.

aliou salam, Jacksonville FL   March 30th, 2008 11:53 am ET

I have a lot of respect for sen. Kerry, a war veteran. He brings to Obama's Camppain more war experience than McCain. While Sen Clinton was a leader of people in Vietnam, McCain's claim to fame in Viet was one of a prisoner. IF you are looking for leadership, the experience as a leader in a war is far better than that of a victim of the war.

Obama's camp is full of leaders with a lot of integrity. Those following McCain and Hillary are all crooks in some way or another.

truth 08 time   March 30th, 2008 11:57 am ET

As Clinton Talks Housing Crisis, Campaign Manager Serves on Board of Bankrupt Lender, Margaret “Maggie” Williams, sits on the board of one of the nation’s once-largest and now-bankrupt sub-prime mortgage lenders. This is a GREAT example of how Hillary will fix the mortage crisis and our economy.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   March 30th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Speaking of "disaster", Kerry should know.

I am glad he is a Obama supporter.

Helen, NY   March 30th, 2008 11:58 am ET

John Kerry is surfacing now.. All liberals will rise now and CNN will host the party… It shows how liberal CNN is.

Trice   March 30th, 2008 11:59 am ET

John McCain told you already this war could go on for 100 years and he means it! McCain is too old to worry or even attempt to correct the corruption made under the Bush Administration, McCain doesn't care about America! McCain has a very bad attitude……..

Kevin,FL   March 30th, 2008 11:59 am ET

"Kerry is one of Obama's most prominent campaign surrogates."

I will not want Kerry as a campaign surrogate he was such a weak candidate in 2004, he had so many chances to defeat GWB but he did not, and he conceded to quickly.., Losers will always hang out with losers!

sophia nyc   March 30th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Say NO to a 3rd term for the Bush disaster!

prakash chand   March 30th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Kerry get out of politics ,you are a looser.

Lamps   March 30th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Who cares about what a sore loser like Kerry has to say?

Spirit of America   March 30th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Kerry is directly responsible for that Republican disaster by conceding a stolen election and never challenging the illegitimate vote in Ohio. That push toward disaster continues now. By supporting a Democratic nominee who McCain will beat by a landslide, Kerry directly invites at least four more years of a Republican disaster. Both Johns are part of this ongoing disaster.

Anonymous   March 30th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

In typical Kerry fashion, he's flip-flopping again

Bryan   March 30th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Kerry your a train wreck, I can't believe I voted for your in 2004. I don't like Bush but I really do think it was better than you. Your state voted for Hillary, you support Obama, it will hurt you come your next election, you don't betray your people, they remember and if they don't someone will remind them!

HELP WANTED/EXPERIENCE NEEDED   March 30th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Sen. Kerry needs to sit down. I am tired of Obama and his mobsters going around picking on people. I will not vote for a democrat in November if Hillary isn't on the ticket.

McCain or Hillary Clinton in November

Farrell, Houston, Tx   March 30th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

It is John Kerry is clearly a democrat and supports Obama, so why is this newsworthy. Lieberman was a democrat, now libertarian/independent and now supports republican John McCain, let's talk about that.

NickNasc   March 30th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

CNN I Want to hear more about THIS story!

"As Clinton Talks Housing Crisis, Campaign Manager Serves on Board of Bankrupt Lender"

I won't mention your competitor who has this on the front page but you need to catch -up This is HUGE and if it were Obamas Manager it would be on the front page I am sure.

yael   March 30th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Kerry is so right about the real target. Now can he PLEASE go back to the Obama camp and let them know? Seems they haven't picked up on that message.

bill in Oklahoma   March 30th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

I am glad john kerry is on Obama's side. He turns on his friends as quickly as he changes positions. Turns on john edwards, turns on john mccain. Obama your time is coming

Shelley   March 30th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This was a prime example of how Washington could have pushed partisan politics aside and brought the country together in the fashion of Abraham Lincoln. Their policies are different, but out of difference comes compromise. McCain rejected that notion, and became just another Bush crony.

bestmanO   March 30th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

The previous 8 years of this White House was disasterous, how would another 4 years of the same thing make us more prosperious?

David   March 30th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Kerry and Gore should come out and campaign hard for Obama. The Clinton's were a disaster for both candidates but they should be stopped now.

1voice   March 30th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

McCain is not a republican.

jp/michigan   March 30th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

CNN does not allow negative comments about Obama, only about Clinton, so there you are all you Obama supporter comment on!

xddy4u   March 30th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Rather Obama bowled good or bad, it doesn't really matter. But what it did showed, was that Obama will be a people's President. Even though he knows he'll get trashed, but he'll still try. Even in this hestic champaign, he still takes time out for leisure and enjoy the people around him. Obama '08

Willy   March 30th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

That funny kerry we was just thinking of you and your mentor Teddy as the Democratic disastes of the party. You could not even beat W. So you are saying what ?

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL W/WOMAN OF 63   March 30th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Can the damage of the Bush years be fixed? Is it repairable?

Ted From Edmonton   March 30th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

This is the same guy that asked McCain to be his VP??? Kerry's a bitter bitter man who should get his phoney capped tooth face out of the media.

Scared Stiff   March 30th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I was hoping that Hillary would win and become the first lady president of US. Why did the senators stab her for a new unknown figure?
My vote goes to McCain now.

Terell   March 30th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Obama has an interesting slate of supporters. Ted Kennedy - most left wing senator, John Kerry - the perennial flip-flopper, Rev. Wright - the hate-monger, Michelle Obama - not a proud american till husband is famous, and the list goes on. Why should America gamble on an inexperienced, unknown leader in a time of war and a poor economy? It is time to get someone with experience, someone who knows the nuts and bolts of washington and can help America.
Either Hillary or McCain will be a better President than Obama.

North Carolina   March 30th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Kerry was an awful nominee. Though his record is substantial, he is lacking in any charisma and unable to come to the point when speaking. One sees why the DNC would back Obama, the polar opposite of their last mistake. Unfortunately Obama is no more electable than personality-challenged Kerry: he has all the personality but none of the substance. In fact, what "substance" one finds is that he expresses a great deal of loyalty and admiration; for persons like Rev. Wright; and has extensive political ties: to people like Rezko, Ayers, Said, Khalidi. Vote Clinton. She can take on McCain.

John   March 30th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

This article would do good to talk about how McCain has changed in the past 4 years - abandoning his criticism of the Bush tax cuts to a position where he wishes to make them favorable; criticizing the War in Iraq to becoming its biggest proponent. John McCain of 2004 was a good candidate. John McCain of 2008 is Bush III.

barbara   March 30th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

John Kerry is right. The Dems need to quit all this bickering. Hillary is not going to winn the nomination. She is getting real frosterated and it shows in her face. I think this campaign is taking a toll on her. Obama on the other hand is steady making his way thru all the minefields that he incounters along the way. He is impressive, she is all about being the first woman in the White House.however,the woman should be like a Donna Brazil not a Hillary Clinton

FEDUP   March 30th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Lets see, he wanted McCain before he didn't.

Independent in NH   March 30th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

John Kerry is a loser…he couldn't even beat Bush. Please stop talking Kerry- it isn't helping anyone.

William Day   March 30th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Kerry is right! We need to keep our eyes, and thoughts, on the main target…McCain and the Republicans. We have to keep in mind that they will DO ANYTHING to remain in office. Any Democrat the party has to offer, whether Obama or Clinton, are better than anyone the Republicans can offer. We don't need someone who thinks we should be in Iraq for the next 100 years!!!

Daniel from Michigan   March 30th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This is the fundamental problem with our political system, and what Edwards called the "two-Americas." When we live under a system that makes us feel discouraged to reach out to those across the aisle, it is not supposed to be a humbling experience. Quite the contrary, something is devastatingly wrong with our system when we feel this way. I like how Barack Obama is able to unite everyone, and transcend these politics of the past. Bring everyone together from the bottom up, and unite our country once more to present an accurate presentation of true American diversity and it's core values.

Portland   March 30th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Go home you Loser (John Kerry). One of the major reasons I might not vote for Barack Obama in the General Election is because John Kerry has endorsed him. never liked this guy and never will. How silly does he look when he comes out and criticizes McCain - the same McCain he offered the VP position to. What an ………

james   March 30th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

it's amazing how you cable news networks continue to try and shape public opinion. Obama never said that had the rev. wright not retired he would have left the church. He said that had rev. wright not retired and not apologized, he would have felt"uncomfortable" staying in that church. Those are two distinctly different statements. You media type are not honest at all. It's unfortunate to say the least.

Mr Bigger   March 30th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Kerry has been involved in enough disasters to know one when he sees one

West Fresno constituency   March 30th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Senator Kerry is correct.

Vig   March 30th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Kerry still thinks he has some influence.

CO, MO.   March 30th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

John Kerry will not help Obama. Obama did not him because he will mispeak and create problem for him.

Roger   March 30th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Kerry was a tool and is a tool and always will be a tool

Yule TIde Carol   March 30th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

John Kerry, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama. It seems everyone EXCEPT Clinton is focused on the issues.

Tanya K   March 30th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Clinton and Obama both should be alot more worried about McCain than one another. At this point they have driven alot of people like myself whom are Democrates, to throw up thier hands and consider voting for McCain.

mikel   March 30th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Commander in chief McSame doesn't care that we spend billions of dollars in other countries, 40 million people without health care, and that inflation and shipping jobs overseas is on the rise.

OBAMA/CLINTON 08!

Nathan Barstow, Sr.   March 30th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Hillary wore the same suit my Uncle Fred wore at the family reunion.

mike   March 30th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I do not recall
no new taxes
mission accomplished
I need a nap

Marc   March 30th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Kerry is a man that I can believe in. I feel he made the right choice and Obama has the right people in his corner. Hillary has the Gov of PA who in the 80's almost went to jail for doing the same thing that the Clinton's are known for. Picking people who have too many scandals.

Sam   March 30th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Kerry obviously has to attack McCain, because the candidate that he supports has no record. If Obama had any record, Kerry would highlight that record instead of attacking McCain.

David from San Jose   March 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Who cares about John Kerry? He is a big loser. On top of that, his state voted overwhemlingly for Hillary, yet he is a superdelegate supporting Obama. Then, he turns around and tells other superdelegates go to with what their state voted for.

Jesse   March 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Senator Kerry is correct in his statemant about "Mc Bush". The right wing nuts (Republicans) have destroyed our reputation in the world. Hopefully the Dems ( I mean Obama) can win and restore some moral authority the United States use too have. Moreover, the media need to get off of this Rev. Wright business. Least you forget, Ronald Reagan made his 1980 Presidential announcement in Phildelphia, Mississippi. He said some pretty racy some. Does any one remember that. It's unbelieveable that Senator Obama have to defend someone elses statement and not his own. Come on CNN, I except better from you guys. Please don't make this a double standard campagin. I guess Ferarro & Hillary, can get away with it.

Ennis, LA   March 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I want to see as thorough a going-over of McCain's military
record and background as we got about Kerry's. Swift boats
and all. No sugar coating or cover-ups.

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